Dust Suppression

Effects of dust

Air-borne dust particles (spraying, coating, sanding, grinding, cutting, blasting) produced by the processing, production, transfer or movement of materials can be a serious problem. Fugitive dust particles adversely affect workforce health, machinery efficiency and can interfere with production quality. Dust pollution is a waste of man-hours on clean up and poses tricky problems when dealing with neighbouring companies or businesses negatively affected by it. Occupational Health and Safety regulations already legislated are increasingly being enforced and employers would be well advised to comply as soon as possible.

Dust Suppression - how it works

Airborne dust particles can be difficult to remove due to the fact that they are so small in size (2 to 10 microns). These particles drift everywhere and can be a significant health hazard. Engineers often look to control the problem by spraying a fine water mist to capture these dust particles. This is the correct approach however not always that successful. This is due to the fact that large droplets (80 to 100 microns) will travel through the air and collide with very few particles on the way. The air-stream present around the much larger droplet deflects the dust particle outwards and away, thus avoiding collision. To capture a dust particle in the best possible manner it is required that the water droplets be the same size and weight as the dust particles themselves. If you want to capture 1 million dust particles it would be best to produce 1 million water droplets of the same size to capture them. TMC Dust Control systems produce 10 micron micro droplets capable of capturing dust particles through the process of agglomeration.

Dust Suppression Technology

Until recently, dust suppression has involved expensive equipment and complicated systems such as extraction fans, bag houses and electrostatic precipitators. TMC Dust Control Systems introduces the use of advanced highpressure water fog systems, better known as TMC Dust Suppression Technology. Advanced product development has been essential in helping clients achieve effective dust suppression. TMC Dust Control System's proven technology generates 10-micron water droplets which attract and suppress breathable and smaller dust particles. Billions of micron sized droplets lower the level of breathable dust through the principle of agglomeration. This low-moistureaddition technology stops the dust at source. TMC Dust Control systems do not leave any significant residual moisture. The systems are designed and engineered specifically for each application, taking into account the type of dust and the processes that produce it. Systems include automated controls that can be linked with existing "BMS" (building management system). Many peripherals can be incorporated into the system to achieve successful integration in the production processes.

Dust Busta

The Dust Busta provides effective dust particle control to an area larger than 200m² from a single location. The ducted fan generates the air through the barrel, giving the unit a wide range of coverage. Read more

How is it done?

Install static lines to create a The Misting Company dust control mist blanket capturing the dust particles.
Install The Misting Company fans in geographically complex spaces.
Line the perimeter of problem areas.
Install in and around equipment.
Install over doors and openings to stop drift.
The Misting Company dust control curtains can stop particulate matter drift between glazing, coating, and spraying sections.

Recent Dust Suppression Installations

BHP Mettalloys

In the spirit of an objectives-based approach to improving the air quality within the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area (VTAPA), BHP Metalloys committed to various Emission Reduction Strategy (ERS) Projects in order to reduce our particulate emission footprint within the Vaal Triangle.

This commitment subscribes to their value of sustainability, putting health and safety first and being environmentally responsible whilst supporting their communities.

BHP Metalloys thus identified an ERS Project namely, the capturing of fugitive emissions generated from the metal casting at the Oxygen Blown Convertor (OBC) located at West Plant in Meyerton.

After considering various options it was decided to install The Misting Company's misting system that is environmentally friendly and would not adversely affect employees' health.

This system consists of eight (8) fans with spray manifolds to direct the fugitive emissions towards the eastern and southern side vapour curtains. The dust is then entrapped in the fine mist preventing the escape of fugitive emissions from the casting bay area.

The reason this project was expedited was due to the high impact emission reduction on the neighbouring communities of Meyerton Park and Sicelo.

The expected emission reduction in fugitive emissions through the implementation of this project is expected to be approximately 10tpa.

Vametco

A high volume dust suppression system has been installed at Vametco Mines in Brits at the plant's primary crusher.

The system comprises of two high volume fans that distribute high pressure mist into the bulk ore offloading and crushing pit. The dust suppression system interfaces with the conveying system to run automatically when needed.

The fine mist particles bind with the dust, making them heavier and thus eliminating airborne dust. Very little water is used and this ensures that the product is still dry thereby avoiding any sieve blockages further down the process.